La didáctica universitaria de la ópera seria a través de la dramaturgia musical: reflexiones historiográficas y materiales docentes

Abstract

Based on the author’s experience, the article presents a reflection on issues in the teaching of opera seria as part of the master’s degree courses of Spanish universities. The historical meaning of 18th-century music drama is explained, with an emphasis on the expression of emotions in the light of their specific musical dramaturgy. The article also analyses the peculiarities of the genre in relation to the abilities of course students, and exposes the contradiction between the progress of recent Spanish-speaking research and the inadequate development of teaching materials on musical dramaturgy in this language. Finally, the educational potential of this operatic genre is critically assessed. The article is complemented by three appendices containing as many proposals for exercises and teaching materials.

Keywords

• opera seria
• music education
• music drama
• musical dramaturgy
• metastasio
• university teaching